Sawtell have been the consistent performers over the previous few seasons. With Russ Matthews again at the helm, the Saints will be keen to continue this culture of success.
They will be missing Josh Edwards (Tamworth AFL), Tristan McCormack and Robbie Zeegers, with doubts over the involvement of Courtney Tune and Jai Hardy at last reports. With a lack of talls, this suggests the ruck stocks will be short. An even-greater reliance will be on the Saints running game to counter this perceived deficiency.
Callum Thwaite is a possible replacement as are juniors, Ethan Kelly and Jack Gillingham, who both have shown talent at under-age level but all lack experience at a senior level.
To counter this is the return of Daniel Johnson and Luke Matthews, from travel expeditions. Experience as well as talent will be boosted by their arrivals. Spectators shouldn't expect miracles though as both are short of match fitness. Johnson is a prodigious left foot kick, who dominated on the wing and won representative selection (his last taste of the leather), whilst Matthews is a former captain and talented inside midfielder, who has numerous representative caps.
A heavy focus will be on Ben Hooke. Sides quickly awoke to his talent last season, and was held well on a couple of occasions but still booted a century. His attack on the ball is a strength and if defenders play from behind this year, expect him to kick a similar bag.
Daniel Pritchard is a key across the ground and represents the accountability the side needs to possess this year for a shot at another flag. The club will look for the likes of Lachlan Draper-Bell and Elliott Schmidt to take a grab of forward line positions. They are likely types.
If Todd Matthews and Mark Couzens line up again, the Saints are very strong chances of being there again on Grand Final day.
Last Modified on 14/04/2009 19:51